Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle has welcomed news that the Federal Government has committed $66 million towards Newcastle Airport’s runway upgrade as part of today’s Federal Budget announcement.
The airport project is a key part of the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan plan and expected to create 4500 jobs and generate an estimated $12.7 billion in economic benefits through international airfreight, industrial expansion and stimulation of the visitor economy.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will provide a vital boost for Newcastle and the wider region during the next two decades.
“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the City of Newcastle and broader region, following ongoing advocacy to bring our airport’s runway up to international standard (Code E) and allow it to accommodate long-range, wide-bodied aircraft,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Newcastle Airport plays a key role in our city’s ongoing transition from a great regional centre to an emerging global city, connecting our local communities with family, friends and colleagues across the nation and around the globe.
“Upgrading the runway to international standard will allow us to build on the attractiveness of this region as an international destination, while also providing direct connections around the world for local travellers.
“Newcastle and the Hunter Region are also home to a wide range of businesses supplying products and services to an expanding global customer base. This upgrade will allow for a significant increase in the commercial activity flowing through the airport.
“Strengthening Newcastle’s global transport gateways such as the Airport and Port of Newcastle will ultimately lead to significant growth in the number of jobs required to provide our services and connect our people and products with national and international opportunities.
“This has never been as important as it is today, with hundreds of thousands of livelihoods affected by COVID-19.”
Newcastle Airport is jointly owned by City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council, with the runway upgrade a top priority for the adjoining local government areas.
The upgrade aligns with a key outcome of the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan – to grow the airport and aerospace and defence precinct at Williamtown – as well as the NSW Government’s decision to create a Special Aviation Precinct that covers up to 10,000 hectares of land in and around Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base.

Newcastle Libraries will celebrate the significant contribution to the city’s arts community made by world-renowned opera singer, Florence Austral, with a curated exhibition and program of events for the community to learn all about her life.
Florence Austral was a world-renowned soprano opera singer in the 1920s, originally from Melbourne. Florence came to Newcastle after her international singing career was cut short due to multiple sclerosis and she became a founding teacher of the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, now part of the University of Newcastle.
The exhibition will be delivered in partnership with Newcastle Libraries, University of Newcastle and led by Hilary Oliver from the Florence Austral Society, who has been instrumental in providing the research for the exhibition.
Curated program of Florence Austral events:
Florence Austral Exhibition
Digital Library
May to September 2021
Images from Florence Austral Archive Collection will be displayed on the Storywall and The Magic Box at our Digital Library from May to September 2021. The display consists of items from the Library’s Florence Austral Archive including sheet music, photos and recordings of Florence’s amazing voice.
Our Forgotten Diva – An evening to remember Florence Austral
Wednesday 2 June, 6-7pm
Wednesday 14 July, 6-pm
Hilary Oliver from the Florence Austral Society will present Florence’s life, operatic career, and discuss her link to Newcastle.
Treasures from the Rare Book Room
REAL Podcast
Hilary Oliver from the Florence Austral Society joins Delma Whyte, a former student of Newcastle conservatorium of music to discuss Florence Austral. This podcast is inspired by the work of the Florence Austral Society and the Florence Austral archive which forms part of the Newcastle Libraries treasures.
Visit What’s On Newcastle to find out more.

Newcastle’s visitor economy received a major economic injection as a result of the City’s Event Packed April with industry data showing the accommodation sector returning to pre-COVID occupancy levels.
According to the Australian Accommodation Monitor Reports, demand for accommodation in Newcastle during the first fortnight in April saw occupancy levels sitting between 80-90% most days. The average daily rate for rooms increased by $52 per night, resulting in a 29% uplift in room revenue compared to the same period in 2019.

City of Newcastle’s Event Packed April was spearheaded by the World Surf League (WSL) Newcastle Cup along with SailFest Newcastle Regatta, Newcastle Seafood Festival, Newcastle Food Month, AoN Women’s University Rugby 7s and NewRun Newcastle Festival of Running.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there is significant opportunity for an event-led economic recovery in Newcastle and it is evident in the newly released data that events are a ticket to driving Newcastle’s visitor economy toward long-term growth.
“City of Newcastle’s April events calendar returned impressive results for Newcastle’s tourism and hospitality businesses still on the road to recovery, “Cr Nelmes said.
“Pre-COVID, our city’s hotels, once filled mid-week with corporate business travellers, saw their occupancy levels sitting at 80-90% again most days, thanks to the WSL Newcastle Cup and the City’s bumper April events calendar.”
A pipeline of new hotel product is under construction, including the five-star Kingsley in the former City Administration Centre set to open in June, Doma’s Little National Hotel, Iris Capital’s QT Hotel, and with plans underway to develop the historic Newcastle Post Office into a conference and function space.
“With a fresh injection of new hotel supply, the City’s ability to pitch for major events will only boost its appeal as a host city and position Newcastle ahead of other destinations,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We are in the early stages of rolling out Newcastle’s newly adopted Destination Management Plan, designed to reposition the city as a premier tourism destination with a strong focus on events, natural assets and cultural heritage, with a raft of initiatives and projects designed to grow our visitor economy and increase visitor spend.”
City of Newcastle continues to invest and support Newcastle’s visitor economy through the Product Development and Mentoring Program, the development and implementation of the highly targeted WhoKnew destination awareness campaign, and destination marketing partnerships with Destination NSW and Newcastle Airport.

Community and sporting groups, businesses, tourism and event operators are invited to apply for almost $1 million of community grants and sponsorship funding from City of Newcastle.
Applications are open for projects and initiatives to activate public places, enhance community wellbeing and strengthen the city’s reputation as a tourism, business and events destination.
The announcement follows Council’s endorsement of new Community Grants and Sponsorships policies, redesigned to make applying easier following consultation with the community.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the new streamlined process would encourage more community-led projects.
“Our grants and sponsorships are a vital community-building tool. They enhance wellbeing, improve the city’s identity and make Newcastle a better place in which to live, work, play and invest,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle invests in a range of initiatives across the city each year, from placemaking improvements to the suburban landscape to major events attracting visitors from far and wide.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, who is Chair of the City of Newcastle Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee, said that feedback from the community was that the process of applying for support could be more difficult than it should be, discouraging some groups from putting forward new ideas to make our community better.
“The great news is that we’ve listened and redesigned the process to give our community groups the opportunity to turn amazing ideas into great local projects and initiatives,” Cr Clausen said.
“New clearer grant categories include funding for recreation facilities, businesses façade improvements, community initiatives, arts, culture and heritage, as well as environmental and social inclusion projects.
“Events are a great way to attract visitors with City of Newcastle providing sponsorship for initiatives that help make Newcastle a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.”
Event sponsorship will be provided across four categories: General Events, Major Events, Regional Sport Events and Business Events, with additional funding will be offered through the Tourism / Visitor Economy Sponsorship and the Economic Sponsorship programs.
Funding opportunities open on 3 May and close 31 May 2021, with online community workshops outlining the application process and addressing questions to be held on Wednesday 12 May at 10am and Monday 17 May 2021 at 5.30pm. Further details can be viewed on our website at https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants in the Hunter.
Mark Russell, aged 43, also known as Mark Jarmain, is wanted by virtue of a revocation of parole warrant and an outstanding arrest warrant for an assault offence.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 160cm to 175cm tall, with a medium build, black hair and brown eyes.
He is known to frequent many places in the Hunter region, including Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Anyone who may have seen or heard from Mark or that may know of his whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to call Triple Zero (000).

Newcastle’s visitor economy received a major economic injection as a result of the City’s Event Packed April with industry data showing the accommodation sector returning to pre-COVID occupancy levels.
According to the Australian Accommodation Monitor Reports, demand for accommodation in Newcastle during the first fortnight in April saw occupancy levels sitting between 80-90% most days. The average daily rate for rooms increased by $52 per night, resulting in a 29% uplift in room revenue compared to the same period in 2019.

City of Newcastle’s Event Packed April was spearheaded by the World Surf League (WSL) Newcastle Cup along with SailFest Newcastle Regatta, Newcastle Seafood Festival, Newcastle Food Month, AoN Women’s University Rugby 7s and NewRun Newcastle Festival of Running.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there is significant opportunity for an event-led economic recovery in Newcastle and it is evident in the newly released data that events are a ticket to driving Newcastle’s visitor economy toward long-term growth.
“City of Newcastle’s April events calendar returned impressive results for Newcastle’s tourism and hospitality businesses still on the road to recovery, “Cr Nelmes said.
“Pre-COVID, our city’s hotels, once filled mid-week with corporate business travellers, saw their occupancy levels sitting at 80-90% again most days, thanks to the WSL Newcastle Cup and the City’s bumper April events calendar.”
A pipeline of new hotel product is under construction, including the five-star Kingsley in the former City Administration Centre set to open in June, Doma’s Little National Hotel, Iris Capital’s QT Hotel, and with plans underway to develop the historic Newcastle Post Office into a conference and function space.
“With a fresh injection of new hotel supply, the City’s ability to pitch for major events will only boost its appeal as a host city and position Newcastle ahead of other destinations,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We are in the early stages of rolling out Newcastle’s newly adopted Destination Management Plan, designed to reposition the city as a premier tourism destination with a strong focus on events, natural assets and cultural heritage, with a raft of initiatives and projects designed to grow our visitor economy and increase visitor spend.”
City of Newcastle continues to invest and support Newcastle’s visitor economy through the Product Development and Mentoring Program, the development and implementation of the highly targeted WhoKnew destination awareness campaign, and destination marketing partnerships with Destination NSW and Newcastle Airport.

A woman has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter region.
About 10.50am today (Wednesday 5 May 2021), emergency services were called to The Bucketts Way – about 5km north of the Stroud Hill Road intersection – following reports a Ford Ranger had left the road.
Upon arrival, NSW Ambulance paramedics located the driver – a female aged in her 30s – trapped in the front cabin of the vehicle; she died at the scene.
An 11-year-old girl was able to free herself from the vehicle, she was treated by paramedics for minor injuries and transferred to the John Hunter Hospital.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Bucketts Way has been closed in both directions, with diversions in place for both north and southbound traffic via Johnsons Creek Road. Delays are expected, police are urging motorists to avoid The Bucketts Way as the road will be closed for some time.
Anyone motorists who were driving along The Bucketts Way around the time of the incident and may have dashcam footage is urged to contact police.

Police are appealing for public assistance following two robberies in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 2.15pm on Saturday (1 May 2021), a 23-year-old man was seated in a park on Lexington Parade, Kotara, when he was approached by three unknown men.
The group demanded the man’s phone, wallet and backpack before he was punched in the face.
The group then left the scene before one of the men approached a 15-year-old boy on Park Avenue and threatened him with a knife.
He demanded his phone before fleeing with the remainder of the group.
Both incidents were reported to police a short time later and officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation.

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing in the state’s Hunter region.
Allan Bentley, aged 63, was last seen about 12pm on Monday 26 April 2021 in the Tea Gardens area.
He was reported missing to officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District, who commenced an investigation into his whereabouts.
Police are concerned for his welfare after he failed to attend pre-arranged appointments and his regular game of lawn bowls yesterday (Saturday 1 May 2021), at a bowling club on Old Maitland Road at Hexham, which is out of character.
Allan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 179cm tall, of medium build with short brown and grey hair and a beard.
It is believed he may be driving a white coloured Holden combo van, with NSW registration UQG-146, which has ‘catering’ written on the side.
Anyone who may have information regarding Allan’s whereabouts is urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

City of Newcastle embraced the return to face-to-face Australian Citizenship Ceremonies on Wednesday, welcoming 150 new citizens from 39 countries in a COVIDsafe ceremony at the Civic Theatre.
Originating from all corners of the globe, from the United Kingdom and the USA to India and Afghanistan, the City’s newest citizens were the first to make the pledge to Australia in person in Newcastle since the Department of Home Affairs moved to online ceremonies in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among them was Sahlee Cook, who swapped life in the Philippines for Newcastle’s laidback lifestyle.
After meeting in the Philippines, Sahlee Cook married her now husband Adam, with the couple choosing to settle in his hometown of Newcastle to create a permanent home together.
“Aside from the beautiful beaches, lots of cafes to choose from and different variety of restaurants, what I like most is the people. The people here in Newcastle are nice, helpful, and pretty laid back,” Mrs Cook said.
“I am grateful and beyond happy to finally be an Australian citizen. Australia is such a beautiful and amazing country, so I am honoured to be part of this great nation and to live in Newcastle.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who presided over the citizenship ceremony alongside Master of Ceremonies, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, said she had been looking forward to warmly welcoming Australia’s newest citizens in-person once again.
“City of Newcastle has worked closely with the Department of Home Affairs to safely resume face-to-face ceremonies to allow conferees to come together and celebrate one of the most special days in their lives,” Cr Nelmes said.
“As Novocastrians, we are proud to be part of such a culturally diverse, inclusive community and we welcome people of all backgrounds.”
City of Newcastle’s next citizenship ceremony is planned for Wednesday 1 September 2021.